The learning curve is fast — zero to cruising along in seven to eight minutes along a snow-packed trail.
That's about how long it takes to instruct a first-time rider on how to drive a snowmobile. It might take a little longer for those who want a rewind on a couple of the key points, like when to lean into a turn and when not to.
But the message is that learning to cruise along a trail at a comfortable speed, taking time to enjoy the scenery and maybe get a little daring and turn off into the light powder snow, isn't that difficult.
Which accounts for the fact that a good share of the people renting snowmobiles these days have never been on a machine before, and some have never seen snow.
Another lure is that snowmobiles get people out of the home and into the outdoors. Snowmobiling does, studies have shown, improve a person's attitude toward winter in that it gives them something to do and something to look forward to.
It is also shown to be a good exercise.
Despite all this, the number of snowmobile owners in Utah is on the decline. The number of riders, however, appears to be on the incline.
Consensus is the drop in ownership is being made up by the opportunity to rent.
"I get people in who tell me they used to own, but only used their machines three or four times a year, and that they were better off renting. And, besides, when they rented they get the latest in equipment," said Wynn Passey, owner of Homestead and Summit Snowmobile tours.
In 2004, there were 36,000 machines registered in Utah. In 2005, there were 28,000 registered. Numbers are still being counted for 2006.
When it comes to snowmobiling, however, don't look for Utah to ever compete in the numbers game.
States with much smaller populations, like Montana, Idaho and Wyoming register more machines. Figures from the Snowmobile Manufacturers Association show Idaho had nearly 50,000 machines registered in 2005. Those states also have less competition from other winter sports like skiing, skating and pro sports, like the Jazz and Grizzlies.
Back East, in snowmobile country, Michigan has nearly 16 times the machines instate (374,000) and Minnesota 12 times the number of snowmobiles (278,000).
When it comes to places to ride, however, few states can offer what Utah has — feather-light snow, mountain beauty and uncrowded trails.
In some cases, said Passey, owners from the East come out West and have to learn to ride all over again since mountain riding requires skills not necessary on the flatlands in the East.
Utah also has the threat of avalanche danger, which simply means that along with enjoying their riding experience, snowmobile operators need to be aware of the threat. Such information goes with the orientation.
Along the more frequently visited riding areas in Utah are Monte Cristo and Strawberry and Uinta regions.
Often overlooked are the riding opportunities along the Wasatch Front such as the Wasatch Mountain complex in the Heber/Midway area. There are roughly 70 miles of state-groomed trails in this complex. Among the more popular trails are those to Cascade Springs and Snake Creek, said Passey.
"I don't know that people realize how much riding there is. You've got Cascade Springs, the Alpine Loop, Mineral Basin on the backside of Snowbird and Guardsman's Pass," he noted.
The Snake Creek trail goes past the Wasatch Mountain Golf Course and into surrounding hills. Deer and wild turkeys are common sights on this ride.
The Cascade Springs ride passes the Soldier Hollow Olympic Park and leads to a series of natural cold-water springs. Moose are a common sight around the springs.
"We can send people out for a hour or two, or for the full day without having any trouble at all finding trails to ride," said Passey.
The most popular rental excursion is the two-hour tours. Next on the list is the half-day outing, with lunch included. Cost of the half-day trip is $149 — machines, fuel, lunch, guide and instruction included.
One of the more unique experiences involves a ride up the Snowbird Tram, then a ride down the high-speed Mineral Basin chairlift where snowmobiles await riders.
Passey said the lower sections of Mineral Basin offer some excellent riding and spectacular scenery, "and I'm not sure many people really realize it's there."
He also pointed out that new technology over the past few years has led to snowmobiles that are easier to ride, have more comforts, such as heated handles and throttle and produce far less pollutants.
Trails, of course, are the lifeblood of snowmobiling. State groomers smooth more than 1,200 miles of trails in Utah.
Along with state groomers, there are also a number of independent lodge owners that groom extra miles.
Dee Eggett, manager of the snowmobile program at Daniels Summit Lodge southeast of Heber, said the lodge grooms roughly 35 miles of trails that will interconnect with those groomed by the state in the Strawberry Complex. This trail system reaches south to Soldier Summit and north to an area near Kamas, where it is possible to link up with the Mirror Lake/Mill Hollow Complex, which has a groomed-trail system reaching up into Wyoming.
The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation recently printed 17 individual maps showing groomed trails, trailheads, points of interest, food stops, restrooms, distance and even GPS coordinates. The maps are free and available through the DPR.
Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the division's information line at 538-7221. Information is also available by calling the division's Off-Highway Vehicle Information Center at 1-800-OHV-RIDE (648-7433). The Information Center is staffed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding federal and state holidays.
There are a number of rental operations statewide, including the Homestead at 1-888 472-7669 and Daniels Summit at 1-800-519-9969.
E-mail: grass@desnews.com